Their search for defensive tackles is over, but the Washington Redskins still are likely to be involved in trade talks before Sunday's deadline for NFL teams to trim their rosters to 53 players. Redskins officials plan to consider offers for backup tailbacks Ladell Betts and Kenny Watson but have not received what they regard as a suitable proposal, sources said.

The New Orleans Saints, searching for a backup for Deuce McAllister, appear to have interest in Betts or Watson, and the Redskins have a surplus at tailback. But it was not clear yesterday whether the Saints or another team would make an offer that would prompt the Redskins to make a trade.

Two Redskins tailbacks -- starter Trung Canidate and Chad Morton, the team's kick returner who is slated to serve as an occasional pass-catching back -- are virtually ensured spots. Club officials said last week they intended to open the season with four tailbacks.

That leaves two roster spots for Betts, Watson and rookie Sultan McCullough, who has impressed coaches with his speed after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of USC. The Redskins could keep Betts and Watson, and attempt to re-sign McCullough to their five-man practice squad on Monday after releasing him Sunday. But Coach Steve Spurrier said this week he would like to find a way to squeeze McCullough onto the 53-man roster since he believes another team would sign McCullough if he's released.

Keeping McCullough would bump Betts or Watson. Betts probably has significant trade value, as a second-round draft pick last year.

Watson had a pair of 100-yard rushing games last season but the former undrafted free agent appears to have little trade value.

According to NFL sources, the Saints were interested in Betts but not Watson during previous trade discussions involving New Orleans defensive tackles Grady Jackson, Kenny Smith and Martin Chase. The Saints and other clubs probably would wait to see if the Redskins would release Watson this weekend before surrendering a draft choice to trade for him.

The Redskins gave up two draft selections in less than a week by trading for Chase and fellow defensive tackle Lional Dalton, and they might want to try to get back a pick by dealing one of their tailbacks.

FWtex

08-28-2003 12:02 PM

Trade of Backup Tailback Being Considered

Everyone jumped all over Ditka for trading a whole draft for RW but at the pace this group is going they are going to trade away all of next years picks on other teams discards.

DON\"T trade for another freakin RB!!!! Find one from the cuts. If you are a quality RB who has been cut you would be a fool to choose any other team over the saints. And the saints don\'t need anymore fools on the team anyway.